CDC Says "Take 3" Against Flu This Season
- Take time to get a vaccine.
- Take everyday actions to stop germs like frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Take antiviral drugs if your doctor says you need them
You can help to stop the spread of flu by raising awareness in your own communities, both online and off. Get started by learning more about the flu and the importance of annual vaccinations. Then, invite your friends to join you in spreading the word. And while you’re here, grab a badge for your website, blog or Facebook page.
• Each year in the U.S., an average of 36,000 people die, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from serious flu-related complications
• Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications
• The time to get a flu vaccine starts in September and continues into winter through January or later
• Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and the people you love from influenza
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Anyone who wants to avoid getting the flu should get vaccinated. However, it is especially important that people who are at high risk for influenza-related complications or those who live with or care for those at high risk get a flu vaccine every year.
- People who are at high risk for complications from the flu include:
1. Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday
2. Pregnant women
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu include:
1. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
2. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
3. Healthcare workers
It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?
An annual flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal-spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu.
To learn when or where to get a flu vaccine, contact your doctor or local health department. For more information, call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/flu.